Eddie Hughes MP, Housing Minister and renters reform White Paper architect resigns
The Minister for Housing who has been steering the draft of the White Paper on reform of the PRS, has resigned.
The Minister for Housing who has been steering the draft of the White Paper on reform of the PRS, A fairer private rented sector, is leaving the Government.
In a tweet he said, “I have decided to hand back my red box in return for the opportunity to spend yet more time working for my constituents in Walsall North, championing their causes in Parliament.
“Thank you to all in the rough sleeping and housing sectors for support during my time as a Minister.”
Also, Marcus Jones, who has only been in post since the Johnson premiership collapsed following the Chris Pincher scandal (himself a previous housing mister), has also stepped down – signally a now complete clear out of ministers at DLUHC.
Hughes’ tweet can be seen here.
Eddie Hughes has fronted the Johnson Government’s proposals on private rented sector reform under Michael Gove. His replacement is likely to be announced later today or tomorrow. He was also busy with other briefs including homelessness, leasehold reform and building safety, and had worked at the housing department (under its various names) since 2018.
Yesterday Simon Clarke was appointed Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities, and will no doubt by rueing Hughes’ departure, which will strip considerable knowledge and experience out of his departmental team.
Timothy Douglas (pictured), Head of Policy and Campaigns for Propertymark, comments: “A change of Minister will add to the uncertainty the proposals within the renters’ reform white paper have created among the landlords our member agents represent, specifically the lack of protections against anti-social behaviour with the removal of Section 21 notices and the move away from fixed-term tenancies.
“We’re ready to work closely with whoever replaces Eddie Hughes to ensure that if the private rented sector is to be reformed, it is fair, balanced and workable, and goes ahead without any further delays.”
The “levelling up campaign needs a major overhaul and to work for everyone who actually work in the PRS and deliver a sensible approach not a one cap fits all.
The last thing we need is everything rushed through again and causing mayhem in this sector.